Don’t rush to
say yes to NO

Due to NO's diverse effects in the body, groups as different as bodybuilders and senior citizens are looking for ways to boost their levels of NO. Dietary supplement manufacturers and marketers also are paying close attention.

Question: What does NO do?

Answer: Its best-known role is stimulating blood vessels to expand and therefore allow increased blood flow. Through this and other actions, increasing NO levels helps lower blood pressure and reduce plaque accumulation in arteries and veins. Consequently, boosting NO production in the body may assist in the treatment of certain types of cardiovascular disease, urinary problems and specific causes of erectile dysfunction. NO even has some antioxidant function.

Q: How can NO levels be increased or "boosted"?

A: NO can't be taken as a drug or supplement. The body produces it from a common building block of protein -- an amino acid called arginine. Dietary supplements of arginine or arginine combined with other compounds are widely available. Bodybuilders often take a dietary supplement called NO2, containing arginine combined with alpha-ketoglutarate, a common breakdown product of another amino acid.

Q: Do arginine supplements live up to their claims?

A: Although some of the greatest hype exists for arginine use by bodybuilders, little research supports claims of increased muscle size and strength. A couple of studies show no benefit. More research is needed to fully refute or support the various claims.

The best support for arginine's use is in the treatment and possibly prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Also, research shows that some men with erectile problems can benefit from arginine, but the daily doses are fairly large, about 5 grams/day.

Q: How much arginine should be taken?

A: Doses used in studies range from 1 to 20 grams a day, depending on the condition treated. Arginine pills typically come in half-gram amounts.

Some foods contain a modest amount of arginine, with lobster, shrimp, octopus, skinless chicken and lean red meats containing 2 to 3 grams in 4 ounces (about 200 calories). Nuts and seeds are also high in arginine, but provide about twice as many calories.

Q: Does taking arginine supplements cause any problems?

A: Arginine can interact with some drugs. So, as with most dietary supplements, before you say yes to NO boosters, get medical guidance from your physician or pharmacist.